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The shape of its sandcastle-like structure and its Old Hollywood aesthetic is rich with lore; it’s rumored that Salvador Dalí crafted the pool and gardens, and Liberace was seen playing the piano during his visits. Whether these stories hold water or not, who really knows? Regardless, Raes on Wategos stands as an iconic establishment.
But where some institutions grow tired and stale, resting on their legendary chuff, Raes continues to evolve and innovate. Its breezy Balearic aesthetic – first envisioned by Tamsin Johnson in 2016 – has become the benchmark for Australian coastal luxury. In 2024, she returned to oversee the refurbishment of two new Guesthouses, ensuring every stylish nook and corner was given due consideration, layering rooms with custom furnishings and hand-picked artwork. As per the original Raes brief, no two rooms are the same, with every suite offering a distinct outlook and experience.
Just a brief walk away from the historic Spanish Mission-style manor house, the Guesthouses have significantly increased the accommodation capacity of the hotel, providing more seclusion with their suites enveloped by vibrant tropical foliage. Guests can enjoy these accommodations along with access to two swimming pools designed for laps, as well as a communal dining area featuring an extensive daily menu crafted by the head chef at Raes, Jason Saxby.
No matter whether you’re lodging at the main hotel or the guesthouses, all visitors are invited to take advantage of the renowned amenities offered here. This includes Raes Dining Room, the well-loved Cellar Bar, and the serene Raes Spa. At this spa, Rationale product lines are provided as standard equipment, allowing guests to revel in the coziness of an invigorating eucalyptus-infused wooden infrared sauna.
At The Dining Room, Saxby introduces an upscale twist to the menu, highlighting the area’s superior seafood and local ingredients. Elsewhere, he focuses on beloved seaside favorites such as bay lobster rolls, swordfish katsu sandwiches, and succulent Ballina prawns served with Marie Rose sauce.
The combination of playful dolphins and the lush environment around Wategos Beach provides minimal reason to depart this tranquil haven. For those determined to explore further, Raes offers free electric bikes or will happily arrange transportation for you throughout the greater Byron region as part of their service commitment.
Similar to the iconic style, every little detail matters when it comes to service at Raes. Repeat visitors may discover their preferred champagne or shampoo awaiting them in their suite. If you mention how much you savored the delightful treats placed in your room the prior day, the chef could be inspired to prepare an additional batch for you.
In contrast to Dalí or Liberace, we can verify these tales as factual. This serves as merely one example of how Raes consistently raises the bar and sets new standards for Australian boutique luxury.
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Boutique Hotel of the Year: Raes on Wategos
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